MediaWiki is the free and open-source wiki software that powers many websites, most notably Wikipedia. If you're new to contributing to or managing a MediaWiki site, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of its features and how to use them. This article is geared towards beginners, assuming no prior experience with wiki software. We'll cover editing, formatting, creating pages, managing users, and essential extensions.
At its core, MediaWiki is a collaborative content creation platform. It allows multiple users to contribute to and edit a collection of interconnected web pages. The pages are written in a simple markup language called Wiki markup, making it relatively easy to learn and use, even without extensive HTML knowledge. It’s designed for projects where consistent updates and community involvement are key. Understanding its fundamental principles will dramatically improve your experience. Think of it as a digital notebook shared by many, with a built-in version history to track changes.
Accessing Help Resources
Before diving into editing, it’s crucial to know where to find help. Every MediaWiki installation typically includes a built-in help system.
**Help Pages:** Look for a "Help" link, usually in the sidebar. These pages cover basic editing, formatting, and policies specific to the wiki. Help:Contents is the central hub for all help documentation.
**Community Portal:** Many wikis have a "Community Portal" where you can ask questions, discuss proposed changes, and connect with other users. This is often the best place to get assistance with specific issues.
**Sandbox:** The Sandbox is a safe space to experiment with editing without affecting live pages. Use it to practice formatting and learn the ropes.
**MediaWiki.org:** The official MediaWiki website ([1](https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Main_Page)) is an invaluable resource. It contains comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and a community forum. The Manual:Introduction at MediaWiki.org is a great starting point.
Editing Pages
The foundation of MediaWiki is its editing system. You can edit almost any page on a wiki, depending on permissions set by the administrators.
1. **Finding the "Edit" Tab:** Most pages have an "Edit" tab at the top, next to "View history" and "Discussion". Click this tab to open the editing window. For some pages, you might see "Edit source" which takes you directly to the Wiki markup.
2. **The Editing Window:** This is where you’ll make your changes. The window contains:
* **Edit Summary:** A small box where you briefly describe your changes. *Always* fill this in. It helps others understand your edits.
* **Text Area:** The main area where you type your content and modify the Wiki markup.
* **Toolbar:** A toolbar with common formatting buttons (bold, italic, links, etc.).
* **Preview:** A button to see how your changes will look before saving.
* **Save Changes:** The button to save your edits.
* **Cancel:** The button to discard your changes.
3. **Using Wiki Markup:** MediaWiki uses a simple markup language to format text. Here are some basic examples:
* `== Heading 2 ==`: Creates a level 2 heading. `=== Heading 3 ===` creates a level 3 heading, and so on.
* `Bold text`: Formats text in bold.
* `Italic text`: Formats text in italics.
* `Internal Link`: Creates a link to another page on the wiki. See Help:Links for more details.
* `External Link`: Creates a link to an external website.
* `* Item 1`: Creates an unordered list item.
* `# Item 1`: Creates an ordered list item.
* ``Code``: Displays code in a monospaced font.
* `Template:Template Name`: Inserts a template. (See section on Templates below.)
4. **Saving Your Changes:** After making your edits, preview them to ensure they look correct. Then, enter a descriptive edit summary and click "Save Changes".
Formatting Text
Beyond the basic markup, MediaWiki offers a wide range of formatting options.
**Superscript and Subscript:** Use `superscript` and `subscript` respectively.
**Strikethrough:** Use `text`.
**Horizontal Rule:** Use `----`.
**Preformatted Text:** Use `
text
` to preserve whitespace and line breaks.
**Chemical Formulas:** Use `<math>...</math>` to render LaTeX-formatted mathematical expressions. This requires the Math extension to be enabled. Understanding Fibonacci retracement is vital in technical analysis.
**Tables:** Tables are created using Wiki markup. It takes practice to get the syntax right, but there are tools and tutorials available. For example, understanding candlestick patterns is crucial for traders.
**Images:** Use `File:ImageName.jpgCaption` to insert an image. The `thumb` parameter creates a thumbnail, and the `Caption` is the text displayed below the image. Consider the Elliott Wave Theory when analyzing market trends.
Creating Pages
Creating new pages is just as easy as editing existing ones.
1. **Red Links:** If a page doesn't exist, its name will appear as a "red link" on other pages.
2. **Click the Red Link:** Click the red link to create a new page. This will take you to an empty editing window.
3. **Add Content:** Type your content and use Wiki markup to format it.
4. **Save the Page:** Enter an edit summary and click "Save Changes".
Managing Users and Permissions
User management and permissions are typically handled by administrators or users with specific rights.
**User Accounts:** Users need to create accounts to contribute to the wiki.
**User Groups:** Users are assigned to different groups (e.g., administrators, editors, registered users) with varying levels of access.
**Permissions:** Permissions control what users can do (e.g., edit pages, upload files, manage users). Understanding support and resistance levels is key to successful trading.
**Special:ListUsers:** This special page lists all users on the wiki. Bollinger Bands are a popular technical indicator.
**Special:UserRights:** This special page allows administrators to manage user rights.
Templates
Templates are reusable blocks of Wiki markup that can be inserted into multiple pages. They are incredibly useful for maintaining consistency and simplifying complex edits.
**Creating Templates:** Create a page with a name starting with "Template:". For example, "Template:Infobox".
Template:Infobox is a core component of MediaWiki used to create standardized summary boxes, typically displayed in the upper-right corner of an article. These boxes, known as infoboxes, present essential information about the article's subject in a structured and easily digestible format. This article will guide beginners through understanding, creating, and utilizing infoboxes effectively.
What is an Infobox?
An infobox is essentially a Template that defines a specific layout for presenting data. It's designed to quickly convey key facts, such as dates, locations, characteristics, or relevant statistics. Think of it as a snapshot of the most important information, allowing readers to grasp the core details without having to read the entire article.
Infoboxes are particularly useful for:
Biographies: Displaying birthdates, places of birth, occupations, and notable achievements.
Geographical Locations: Presenting coordinates, population, area, and other geographical data.
Organizations: Listing founding dates, headquarters locations, and types of organizations.
Scientific Concepts: Summarizing key properties, classifications, and discoveries.
Films/Books/Games: Displaying release dates, directors/authors, and genre information.
Why Use Infoboxes?
Consistency: Infoboxes promote a consistent look and feel across all articles on a wiki, making it easier for readers to find information. A standardized format is crucial for usability.
Readability: They present information in a clear and concise manner, improving readability and comprehension.
Quick Overview: Infoboxes provide a quick overview of the subject, allowing readers to quickly assess its relevance to their interests.
Data Retrieval: They facilitate data retrieval and analysis, as the information is structured in a predictable format. This is important for Semantic MediaWiki extensions.
Navigation: Infoboxes often contain links to related articles, improving navigation within the wiki.
Understanding the Syntax
Infoboxes are created using MediaWiki's template system. The basic syntax involves using the `{{Infobox` tag, followed by parameters that define the content and layout of the box. Let's break down the key elements:
`{{Infobox` : This opens the infobox template.
`title =` : Specifies the title of the infobox. This is the heading that appears at the top of the box.
`image =` : Specifies the filename of an image to be displayed in the infobox. Use the `File:ImageName.jpgwidth=px` format *within* the parameter value.
`caption =` : Provides a caption for the image.
`header =` : Defines a header for a section within the infobox. You can have multiple `header` parameters to create distinct sections.
`content =` : The main body of the infobox. This is where you'll enter the key information about the subject. You can use standard MediaWiki formatting (e.g., wikilinks, bold text, *italic text*) within the `content` parameter.
`label1 =` , `data1 =` , `label2 =` , `data2 =` , etc.: This is the most common way to define key-value pairs within an infobox. `label1` is the name of the data field (e.g., "Born"), and `data1` is the corresponding value (e.g., "January 1, 1990").
`}}` : This closes the infobox template.
A Simple Example
Let's create a simple infobox for a fictional character named "Alex Johnson":
This code will generate an infobox with the title "Alex Johnson", an image, and two sections: "Personal Information" and "Skills". The "Personal Information" section will display the birthdate, occupation, and nationality, while the "Skills" section will provide a brief description of the character's abilities.
Technical analysis often relies on quickly digestible data, making infoboxes ideal for summarizing key statistical information about assets. For example, an infobox for a stock could include data on its Price-to-Earnings ratio, Dividend Yield, and Beta.
Creating More Complex Infoboxes
Infoboxes can become much more complex, with multiple sections, images, and data points. Here are some advanced techniques:
Using Parameters for Reusability: Instead of hardcoding all the data directly into the infobox, you can define parameters for each piece of information. This makes the infobox more reusable and easier to update.
Conditional Statements: You can use conditional statements (e.g., `#if:`, `#switch:`) to display different information based on the value of a parameter. This allows you to create infoboxes that adapt to different types of subjects.
Templates Within Templates: You can nest templates within infoboxes to create even more complex layouts and functionality.
Using Classes for Styling: You can apply CSS classes to different elements of the infobox to customize its appearance.
Using Existing Infobox Templates
Before creating a new infobox from scratch, it's always a good idea to check if an existing template already meets your needs. Many wikis have a library of pre-built infoboxes for common topics.
To find existing infobox templates:
1. Search the Template Namespace: Go to the `Template:` namespace (e.g., `Template:Infobox Person`, `Template:Infobox Country`). You can use the search function to find templates related to your topic.
2. Browse Category:Templates: Many wikis categorize templates. Look for categories like `Category:Templates` or `Category:Infobox Templates`.
3. Check the Wiki's Documentation: The wiki's documentation may list available infobox templates and provide instructions on how to use them.
Once you find a suitable template, simply copy and paste it into your article and replace the placeholder values with the appropriate information.
Consider the following when choosing an existing infobox:
Relevance: Does the template contain the data fields you need?
Consistency: Is the template used consistently across other articles on the wiki?
Maintainability: Is the template well-maintained and updated?
Customizing Existing Infoboxes
Sometimes, an existing infobox may not perfectly meet your needs. In this case, you can customize it by:
Adding New Parameters: You can add new parameters to the template to display additional information.
Modifying Existing Parameters: You can change the labels or data types of existing parameters.
Changing the Layout: You can adjust the layout of the infobox by rearranging the parameters or adding new sections.
However, be careful when customizing existing infoboxes, especially if they are widely used. Changes to a widely used template can affect many articles on the wiki. It's generally best to create a new template if you need to make significant changes.
Best Practices
Keep it Concise: Infoboxes should be concise and to the point. Avoid including excessive detail.
Use Standardized Labels: Use standardized labels for data fields to ensure consistency across articles.
Provide Sources: Whenever possible, cite sources for the information presented in the infobox.
Use Appropriate Images: Choose images that are relevant to the subject and of high quality.
Test Your Infobox: Before saving your article, preview the infobox to ensure it displays correctly.
Follow Wiki Guidelines: Adhere to the specific infobox guidelines established by your wiki. Many wikis have style guides that dictate how infoboxes should be used.
Accessibility: Ensure your infobox is accessible to users with disabilities. Provide alt text for images and use clear, concise language.
Common Infobox Parameters
Here's a list of common parameters used in infoboxes:
`name` or `title`: The name of the subject.
`image`: The filename of an image.
`caption`: The caption for the image.
`birthdate`: The birthdate of a person.
`deathdate`: The deathdate of a person.
`birthplace`: The place of birth.
`occupation`: The person's occupation.
`nationality`: The person's nationality.
`location`: The location of a place.
`coordinates`: The geographical coordinates of a place.
`population`: The population of a place.
`area`: The area of a place.
`founded`: The founding date of an organization.
`headquarters`: The headquarters location of an organization.
`genre`: The genre of a film, book, or game.
`director`: The director of a film.
`author`: The author of a book.
`developer`: The developer of a game.
`release_date`: The release date of a film, book, or game.
`website`: The official website of the subject.
These are just a few examples. The specific parameters you use will depend on the subject of your article and the purpose of the infobox. Understanding Fibonacci retracement levels can be similar to understanding the parameters within an infobox – both involve identifying key elements and their relationships.
Troubleshooting
Infobox Not Displaying: Check for syntax errors in your code. Make sure you've closed the `
Template:Infobox – A Beginner's Guide
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the `Template:Infobox` tag in MediaWiki, specifically geared towards users new to wiki editing. Infoboxes are a crucial part of a well-structured and informative wiki, offering a concise summary of key facts about a topic. We will cover what infoboxes are, why they're useful, how to use them, common parameters, customization, troubleshooting, and best practices. This guide is written for MediaWiki 1.40.
What is an Infobox?
An infobox (short for "information box") is a standardized template used to present a summary of vital information about a subject in a consistent and visually appealing format. Typically located in the top-right corner of a wiki page, the infobox acts as a quick reference guide for readers. Think of it as a snapshot of the most important details. Unlike free-form text within the article body, infoboxes are structured, using predefined fields (parameters) to display data. This standardization aids readability and allows for easy comparison between different topics. For example, an infobox for a country might include fields for population, capital, official language, and area. An infobox for a stock might include fields for ticker symbol, company name, industry, and current price. The aim is to present essential information in a concise, easily digestible manner. Understanding Help:Templates is fundamental to understanding infoboxes; they *are* templates.
Why Use Infoboxes?
Infoboxes offer several significant advantages:
**Improved Readability:** A well-formatted infobox allows readers to quickly grasp the core details of a topic without having to scan through large blocks of text.
**Consistency:** Using templates ensures consistent presentation across all articles, making the wiki more professional and user-friendly. This consistency helps readers navigate and understand the information presented. Compare this to the chaotic appearance of articles without consistent formatting.
**Data Summarization:** Infoboxes condense complex information into a manageable format, highlighting key facts.
**Navigation:** Infoboxes often contain links to related articles, enhancing navigation within the wiki.
**Data Mining & Automated Processing:** The structured data within infoboxes can be used for automated tasks such as generating lists, reports, and other derived content. This is particularly useful for large wikis with extensive databases of information.
**Visual Appeal:** Infoboxes break up the monotony of text and add visual interest to a page.
How to Use an Infobox: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Find an Existing Infobox Template:** Before creating a new infobox, check if one already exists for your topic. Browse the Special:Templates page to search for relevant templates. For example, if you're writing about a chemical compound, search for "Infobox chemical." Using an existing template is *always* preferred, as it ensures consistency and reduces maintenance.
2. **Include the Template in Your Article:** Once you've found a suitable template, include it in your article using the following syntax:
Replace "Infobox Chemical" with the actual name of the template. This will insert the basic structure of the infobox into your article.
3. **Populate the Parameters:** Infobox templates have predefined parameters (fields) that you need to fill in with specific data. The documentation for each template will list these parameters and explain their purpose. You can find the documentation by clicking the "What links here" link on the template's page (e.g., Special:WhatLinksHere/Template:Infobox Chemical). Parameters are typically specified as `parameter_name = parameter_value`. For example:
```wiki
{{Infobox Chemical
name = Water
formula = H₂O
molar_mass = 18.015 g/mol
density = 1.00 g/cm³
}}
```
4. **Preview and Edit:** Always preview your changes before saving the article. This allows you to check that the infobox is displaying correctly and that all the data is accurate. Edit the parameters as needed to refine the appearance and content of the infobox.
Common Infobox Parameters
While the specific parameters vary depending on the template, some common ones include:
**name:** The primary name of the subject.
**image:** The name of an image file to display in the infobox. Use `image = Example.jpg`.
**caption:** A caption for the image.
**alt:** Alternative text for the image (for accessibility).
**label1/data1, label2/data2, etc.:** Generic parameters for adding custom labels and data. These are useful when a template doesn't have a specific parameter for a particular piece of information.
**unit1, unit2, etc.:** Units associated with the data values.
**link1, link2, etc.:** Links associated with the data values.
**color:** Background color of the infobox (use cautiously).
**above:** Text that appears above the main content of the infobox.
**below:** Text that appears below the main content of the infobox.
The specific parameters and their usage are *always* documented on the template's page. Refer to that documentation for accurate information.
Customizing Infoboxes
While using existing templates is recommended, you may sometimes need to customize them to suit your specific needs. There are several ways to do this:
**Using Generic Parameters:** As mentioned earlier, `label1/data1`, `label2/data2`, etc., allow you to add custom fields without modifying the template itself.
**Creating New Templates:** If you need significant customization, you can create a new infobox template. This requires a good understanding of MediaWiki template syntax and is best left to experienced users. See Help:Creating templates for more information.
**Modifying Existing Templates (with Caution):** If you have the necessary permissions, you can modify existing templates. However, this should be done with extreme caution, as changes to templates can affect many articles. Always discuss significant changes with other editors before implementing them. Consider creating a sub-template for customization instead of directly altering the main template. This allows for easier rollback if necessary.
**Using Conditional Statements:** You can use conditional statements (e.g., `#if`, `#ifeq`) within templates to display different content based on the values of certain parameters. This allows for greater flexibility and adaptability.
Troubleshooting Infobox Issues
Here are some common problems you might encounter when working with infoboxes and how to fix them:
**Infobox Not Displaying:** Ensure you've included the template correctly using the `Template:Template Name` syntax. Check for typos in the template name. Make sure the template exists.
**Incorrect Data Displaying:** Double-check the parameter values you've entered. Ensure you're using the correct units and formatting. Consult the template documentation for guidance.
**Image Not Displaying:** Verify that the image file exists and is uploaded to the wiki. Ensure you've entered the correct image name in the `image` parameter. Check the image's alt text.
**Infobox Formatting Issues:** Incorrect parameter usage or syntax errors can cause formatting problems. Review the template documentation and your code carefully. Use the preview function to identify and correct errors.
**Template Errors:** If a template contains errors, it may not display correctly. Check the template's page for error messages. Report the error to the template's maintainer.
Best Practices for Infoboxes
**Consistency is Key:** Use existing templates whenever possible. If you create a new template, ensure it's consistent with the style and format of other infoboxes on the wiki.
**Accuracy:** Ensure that all the data in the infobox is accurate and up-to-date. Cite your sources if necessary.
**Conciseness:** Keep the infobox concise and focused on the most important information. Avoid including unnecessary details.
**Accessibility:** Provide alternative text for images to ensure accessibility for users with visual impairments.
**Documentation:** Document your templates clearly, explaining the purpose of each parameter.
**Maintainability:** Write templates that are easy to maintain and update.
**Avoid Excessive Customization:** While customization is possible, avoid making changes that deviate significantly from the standard template format.
**Test Thoroughly:** Always test your infoboxes thoroughly before saving the article.
**Collaboration:** Discuss significant changes to templates with other editors before implementing them.
Advanced Infobox Techniques
**Template Loops:** For displaying lists of data, you can use template loops (using parser functions like `#recurse`).
**Data Structures:** Utilize data structures within templates to organize and manage complex information.
**Modules:** Leverage Lua modules to create more powerful and flexible templates. This requires advanced programming knowledge. See Help:Lua for details.
**External Data Sources:** Integrate data from external sources (e.g., databases, APIs) using extensions like Wikidata.
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Image Not Displaying: Verify that the image file exists and that you've used the correct filename. Ensure the image is uploaded to the wiki.
Parameters Not Working: Double-check the spelling of the parameters and make sure you're using the correct syntax.
Layout Issues: Experiment with different formatting options to adjust the layout of the infobox. Consider using CSS classes to customize the appearance.
If you're still having trouble, consult the wiki's documentation or ask for help from other users. Learning about Elliott Wave Theory can also teach you about pattern recognition, a skill useful for debugging template issues.
Your wiki's specific infobox guidelines. Understanding Bollinger Bands requires understanding the underlying principles of statistical deviation, just as mastering infoboxes requires understanding the principles of template syntax.
Candlestick patterns – Recognizing patterns is key to both trading and effective template usage.
Moving Averages – Smoothing out data, similar to how infoboxes present a summarized view.
Relative Strength Index (RSI) – A metric for assessing momentum, akin to quickly grasping key facts from an infobox.
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**Template Documentation:** Document your templates clearly so others can understand how to use them. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a valuable momentum indicator.
Extensions
MediaWiki's functionality can be extended with extensions. These are pieces of software that add new features and capabilities.
**Popular Extensions:**
* **Semantic MediaWiki:** Adds semantic data to pages, allowing for more powerful queries and data analysis. Understanding MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) is crucial for trend following.
* **VisualEditor:** Provides a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, making it easier for beginners to edit pages.
* **Math:** Enables the rendering of LaTeX-formatted mathematical expressions.
* **Cite:** Simplifies the process of adding citations and references.
* **CategoryTree:** Displays a hierarchical tree of categories.
* **SpamBlacklist:** Helps prevent spam and vandalism. Consider the Ichimoku Cloud for a comprehensive view of market trends.
**Installing Extensions:** Installing extensions typically requires administrator access and technical knowledge.
Categories
Categories are used to organize pages on a wiki. They allow users to easily find related content.
**Adding Categories:** Add a category to a page by adding a line like `` at the bottom of the page.
**Creating Categories:** Create a new category by creating a page with a name starting with "Category:".
**Category Hierarchy:** Categories can be organized into a hierarchy. For example, you could have a category "Technology" with subcategories "Software" and "Hardware". Analyzing volume can confirm price trends.
**Special:Categories:** This special page lists all categories on the wiki. The Average True Range (ATR) measures market volatility.
Discussion Pages
Every page on a MediaWiki site has an associated discussion page. This is where users can discuss changes to the page, ask questions, and collaborate.
**Accessing Discussion Pages:** Click the "Discussion" tab at the top of a page to access its discussion page.
**Starting a New Discussion:** Click the "Add topic" button to start a new discussion thread.
**Replying to Discussions:** Click the "Reply" button to reply to an existing discussion thread. Understanding Fibonacci extensions can project potential price targets.
**Sign Your Comments:** Add `Admin (talk) 20:48, 30 March 2025 (UTC)` to your comments to automatically sign them with your username and timestamp.
Version History
MediaWiki keeps a complete history of every page. This allows you to:
**View Past Versions:** Click the "View history" tab to see a list of all past versions of the page.
**Compare Versions:** Select two versions to compare them side-by-side. Using Parabolic SAR can identify potential trend reversals.
**Restore Past Versions:** Restore a previous version of the page if necessary.
**See Who Made Changes:** The history shows who made each change and when. Understanding price action is key to reading market signals.
Advanced Editing Techniques
**Conditional Statements:** Using parser functions, you can create conditional statements within your wiki markup.
**Lua Scripting:** MediaWiki supports Lua scripting for more complex functionality.
**API Access:** The MediaWiki API allows you to interact with the wiki programmatically. Analyzing stochastic oscillator can identify overbought and oversold conditions.
**Regular Expressions:** Regular expressions can be used for powerful search and replace operations. Donchian Channels can help identify breakout opportunities.
MediaWiki is a powerful and versatile wiki software. This guide has provided a basic overview of its features and how to use them. With practice and exploration, you'll be able to contribute effectively to any MediaWiki-powered website. Remember to consult the official documentation and community resources for more detailed information.
